CLEVELAND — The bright lights of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium are glowing in the distance, but tough obstacles are still ahead.
Yes, we have reached the state semifinals of the OHSAA football playoffs, and seven schools from Northeast Ohio remain standing in their quests for state championships. Divisions I, II, and III will play Friday night, while Divisions IV and VI will take the field Saturday.
Some dynasties are at stake, with St. Edward seeking its second straight title and Kirtland its fourth in five years. On the other end of the spectrum, Holy Name is in search of its first state crown since 1975.
However, all eyes in the region will be on Akron Friday when Archbishop Hoban faces Massillon Washington. Then on Saturday, we head to Lake County, where powerful Glenville will battle upstart Jefferson Area.
Check out WKYC's full list of this weekend's games involving teams from our viewing area, and scroll below for live scoring updates! (neutral locations listed in italics):
Division I
- St. Edward 31, Gahanna Lincoln 7 at Arlin Field (Mansfield) - FINAL
The Eagles will look to defend their Division I state title against the same opponent they faced (and defeated) in Canton in 2021, the Springfield Wildcats.
Division II
- Archbishop Hoban 41, Massillon Washington 20 at InfoCision Stadium (Akron) - FINAL
Lamar Sperling carried the ball 39 times for 277 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Knights back to the DII title game. Hoban will be looking to win their sixth state championship when they face Toledo Central Catholic.
Division III
- Canfield 38, Holy Name 21 at Euclid Community Stadium - FINAL
Holy Name's magical season came to an end against Canfield on Friday. Canfield will move on to face Bloom-Carroll for the Division III crown in Canton.
Division IV
- Cleveland Glenville (13-0) vs. Jefferson Area (11-3) - Alumni Stadium (Perry, Lake County)
Division VI
- Fort Frye (13-1) vs. Kirtland (14-0) - Raiders Stadium (Beaver Township)
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